San Juan County Committees

There are a number of committees within San Juan County that are dedicated to protecting our natural resources. Some committees are ad-hoc or appointed by local agencies, often to solve a specific problem. Other committees deal with issues that are ongoing, such as protecting the marine environment, managing solid waste, and planning. Members are usually formally appointed by the county council to reflect a diverse range of interests, and serve a term, often lasting several years.

All committee meetings open to the public. Major meetings may be announced by advertisement in the local papers, with many meetings announced only in the legal notices.

Agricultural Resources Committee of San Juan County (Appointed)

The Agricultural Resources Committee of San Juan County represents the concerns of the agricultural community to the county council. Bruce Gregory is the chair. For more information email peg@sjcarc.org or contact Peg Bill, the ARC Coordinator at (360) 378-2906. www.sjcarc.org


Eastsound Planning Review Committee (Appointed)

The purpose of the EPRC is to advise the planning department, the planning commission and the board of County commissioners on land use and development matters affecting Eastsound. Meetings are usually at the senior Center in Eastsound. Orcas resident Peter Fisher is the chair. Contact him at pcf@petercfisher.com

Marine Resources Committee (Appointed)

The San Juan County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) is a citizen-based advisory committee dedicated to the protection and restoration of marine resources in the San Juan Islands. Recently the MRC was incorporated into Community Development & Planning within the county. www.sjcmrc.org

Planning Commission (Appointed)

The Planning Commission is an essential part of the public process and community planning. State laws require each county to have a group of citizen advisors to address land use matters. The planning commission is a group of citizen volunteers appointed by the County Council who make recommendations to the Council on planning decisions. Workshops and public hearings of the Planning Commission are an important public forum where public opinion and advice becomes part of the County’s records and decision making process.

Meetings and topics are listed in the newspaper and on the County website and usually posted in the affected communities at least several days before the meeting is held. Study documents and proposed actions are available at Community Development and Planning Department office at 135 Rhone Street, PO Box 947, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, and may be found on county web site under Current Projects, or Planning Commission.

Solid Waste Advisory Committee (Appointed)

Meetings are held every fourth Thursday at the SJC Legislative Building in Friday Harbor.

Water Resources Management Committee (Ad Hoc)

This committee drafts recommendations for the county regarding water resources in the county. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at the Grange Hall in Friday Harbor or the Orcas Hotel at Orcas Village. Please contact Vicki Heater at 360.378.4474 for more details.